Adjustable strap and tongue buckle for use therewith



pml l2, 1949. A. Buss 2,457,006

l ADJUSTABLE STRAP AND TONGUE A I BUCKLE FOR USE THEREWITH Filed Jan. 2,5. 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1x A A. Buss 2,457,006 ADJUSTABLE STRAP AND TONGUE BUCKLE FOR USE THEREWITH Filed Jan. 25. 1947 2 sheets-sheet 2 April 12, 1949.

IN VEN TOR.

Alberi BZZ'J'J mk @M Patented Apr. 12, 1949 UNITED STATI-:s PATENT 4OFFICE.

ADJUSTABLE STRAP AND TONGUE BUCKLE FOR USE TIIIEREWITH Albert Bliss, Providence, R. I.

- Application January 25, 1947, Serial No. 724,457

15 claims. 1

. fMy invention relates to improvements in adjustable straps and tongue buckles for use therewith.

An object of my invention is to provide a tongue buckle in which the tongue thereof is mounted on the opposite end of the buckle from a standard type of harness buckle commonly used in belts and which pivots from a closed position extending inwardly over the buckle to an open position extending outwardly beyond the buckle for insertion within a selected hole in the adjustable end of the belt.

With my invention, an elongated tongue is .pivotally mounted on the outer bar of the buckle to pivot from an outer open position for selective insertion of the tongue in a selected hole or slit in the adjustable end of the strap and to pivot to a closed position overlying and abutting the adjustable strap, with the tongue itself being so constructed that the pressure of the belt tends to retain the tongue in its closed position without any spring brake or spring locking action of any type, and I am enabled to do this by providing a preferably flat tongue pivptally mounted on the outer buckle rod extending when in closed position rs't outwardly and downwardly, then looped upwardly to above its pivot and projecting inwardly a substantial distance over the front surface of said buck1esaid tongue being curved in such a manner that the normal-to the tongue at the point of contact of the belt against the loop in use passes below and to the outside of the pivot with said adjustable strap end abutting the said loop to pivot the end of the tongue downwardly against the adjustable strap end to retain the buckle in closed position.

Both embodiments, however, are based on the novel principle of providing a buckle member having a bail, having an inwardly projecting tongue pivotally mounted on the bail, and projecting over the connecting member. y

Further objects of both embodiments, however, are to provide a simple novel type of tongue on a connecting member preferably resiliently mounted thereon to function in a manner to be described andl one which may be as readily atstructure of the individualy parts thereof.

A further feature of my invention relates to improvements in structure wherein the tongue is pivotally mounted on the connecting buckle member whether it be used alone or as a slidable member in a larger connecting member and is so pivotally mounted on a bail projecting from said connectingmember that the straight legs of the bail abut the edges of the tongue, so that it will pivot evenly over the centre portion of the buckle member atall points in the pivotal movement thereof.

A further feature of my invention resides in the fact that I provide a distinctively different and novel effect in a belt or-other strap when faced from the front. The connecting member or the connecting buckle member is of such a width that the exterior edges thereof are exposed above .andv below the belt, the end cross bars of the belt are no longer visible and the tongue appears even over the surface of the belt between the side bars or edges of the connecting member.

These and such other` objects ofl my invention as may hereinafter appear will be best undertions of the embodiment of my improved strap. Y

shown in Fig. 1, showing the strap in adjusted attached position. f

Fig. 2a is a transverse sectional view taken lnside of the bail base through the bail legs, the

overlying strap end and the tongue, looking to ward'the adjacent end of the strain compensating' member 40.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectionalview taken through my improved strap along the line v3--3 of Fig. 1. q

Fig. 4 is an enlarged side elevationv of the strain compensating and detachable and adjustable portions of the embodiment of my improved strap shown-in Fig. 2, but showing the buckle tongue pivoted to an open strap attaching position. v

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the improved buckle tongue I preferably employ.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the improved bail member or buckle I preferably employ.

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along the V line 1--1 of'Fig. 1.v

' Fig. l8 is a perspective view of a different em- 'y bodiment of my improved strap in use employing a buckle comprising a single buckle member having a flat tongue pivoted on the outer end thereof.

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the buckle member and adjacent strap portions of the embodiment t shown in Fig. 8, showing the strap in adjusted attached position.

Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through my improved strap along the line l8|8 of Fig. 8,

In the drawings, wherein like characters of reference generally indicate like parts throughout, 38 as shown in Figs. 1 to 4, and 38 as shown in Figs. 8 to 10, generally indicate embodiments of adjustable straps constructed in accordance with my invention.` In the first embodiment shown, said adjustable strap is automatically extensible on movements of the object strapped, such as movements of the torso 32 of the wearer shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 when moving rapidly or exercising, or of the wrist of the wearer wearing a wrist watch. My invention includes a non-extensible strap portion 34 of a length to encircle a limb or a. body torso 32 as shown in Fig. 1, or to join two article portions together, such as the edges of shoes, overshoes or corsets, having a fixed end 36 and an adjustable end 38 and a strain compensating member 48 having a resiliently extensible portion 42 projecting from at least one end thereof having means such as the bail base or end 48 on its outer end secured to one of said strap ends, namely, the adjustable strap end 38 as shown in Fig, 2 and means 46 which may comprise a rod or bail base 44 on the opposite inner end of said connecting member 48 for securing the xed strap end thereto.

My invention is adapted for use with any type of a flexible strap such as a leather strap, woven strap, knitted or other strap and even may be used with a metal strap. The fixed end 36 may y be attached to the strain compensating member 48 in any suitable manner and the adjustable end 38 is made adjustable in the novel manner about to be explained.

In the embodiments of my invention shown, the xed strap-end 36 has a tip 31 looped underneath it as at 59, the means for attaching the fixed strap end to the strain compensating member comprising hole means or a transverse slot 49 interior of the bail base or rod 44 or inner portions 84, so that when the tip 31 of the xed strap end is inserted through the slot 49, it may form a loop 59 which may be rigidly secured to said xed strap end in any suitable manner such as by the rivets 39.

As stated, my invention is preferably employed with a resiliently extensible strain compensating member 48 within the belt or strap having a resiliently "extensible buckle portion projecting from one or both ends thereof. I may construct my connecting member with one extensible portion only, but I'have shown it in the drawings and all embodiments as including two extensible portions 42 and 42' duplicates of the other. If one of these is omitted, it is obvious that means must be provided on the opposite end of the compensating member 48 to secure the strap end 36 or 38 thereto.

In the embodiment shown in Figs, 1-7, the box portion, comprising the strain compensating means, comprises a at member preferably of greater width than the strap having longitudinal compartments 14 along each edge thereof on the rear surface of the front plate 11 thereof. The frontrplate 11 may be suitably ornamented, if

desired, and the compartments 14are preferably formed integral with the metal of the front plate 11. Said compartments are also provided with the end wall or walls 16 having hole means 18 therein, and thus the connecting member 48 is provided with spaced hole means 18 in each end thereof.

I also provide a slidable connecting buckle member 42' or 42 having means exterior of said connecting member comprising a rod 44 or 48 for attachment of each strap end 36 or 38 thereto, in the embodiment shown the hollow buckle members 42' or 42, each having a respective rod 44 or 48 forming a bail base and the spaced legs 82 having fiat outer portions 8| spaced from each other substantially the width of said rod 48 and extending inwardly a distance parallel to each other, portions 83 projecting transversely externally from the inner ends of said spaced outer leg portions 8| for a 'distance greater than the Width of the strap forming the outer or front cross bar of the buckle and leg inner portions 85 forming buckle side bars projecting inwardly from each end of said transversely projecting portions 83 within said respective compartments 14 extending through the holes 18 for this purpose. Each leg 82 has portions 84 extending inwardly and transversely of said box forming the equivalent of an inner or rear buckle cross bar. I also provide spring means 86 interposed between said transversely extending portions 84 and the compartment end walls 16, said spring means being yieldable to permit outward movement of said extensible portions 42 or 42' when an outward pull is exerted thereon and resilient to return said slidable portion 42 or 42 to its original position when said pull is ended.

As stated hitherto, one or two bail members may be employed and other types of connecting members having one bail or a bail proj ecting. from each end thereof, with said bail or bails resiliently or lixedly mounted on said connecting member 48 may be used or as in the embodiment shown in Figs. 8-18 said bail or buckle member 42 may be used as the sole connecting member with the fixed strap end 36 looped around the transverse portions 84 of the bail 42 and used in the manner shown in Figs, 1-4.

While I have shown one connecting member in both embodiments, it is obvious that any suitable type of connecting member may be employed and that the bails or buckle members 42 and 42 may be resiliently mounted in the connecting member 48 as shown or rigidly mounted to project from the respective end or ends of said connecting member.

An essential feature of the present invention consists in providing a tongue |88, projecting inwardly from the bail base or rod 48 of the connecting member 42 when in operating position.

In the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1-7, the tongue |88 projects inwardly and longitudinally of the front of the connecting member or buckle 48 and bail or buckle member 42 or 42. In this embodiment, the tongue is pivotally mounted on the bail rod or cross bar 48 so that the strap or belt may be attached more easily around the person. In this embodiment the rod has the dat tongue |88 pivotally mounted thereon by having its end formed into the pivot loop |28. When in the closed position shown in Figs. 1-3 the at tongue has a portion |22 extending rst outwardly and downwardly as shown, then has a portion |24 extending back on itself in' an arcuate loop extending upwardly to above its pivot 48 and a portion |26 projecting inwardly a substantial longitudinal distance over the front surface of said connecting member 40 and termihating in an end |28, said tongue being curved in such a manner that the normal to the tongue at the point of contact of the belt against the loop in use passes below and to the outside of the pivot. The inner surfaces of the closely spaced outer portions 8| of the legs 82 abut the edges of the ilat tongue I to positively keep the tongue I 00 aligned centrally of .the buckle member 42 at all times in use. Said tongue |00 is pivotable to the open position shown in Fig. 4 so that its end |28 may be more easily inserted through a selected slit |02 of the set'il04 of longitudinally spaced slits adjacent the tip 52 of the adjustable strap end 38. Said tongue end |28 is inserted through said selected slit |02, and the tongue is pivoted to the closed position shown in Figs. 1-3, when the slit |02 will sink to the outermost portion of the loop |24, with said adjustable strap end 38 abutting the outermost portion of the loop |24 as`at |30, so that the natural expansion of the torso will pull the adjustable strap end axially outwardly to cause it to abut said loop |24 to pivot the end |28 of said tongue downwardly against said connecting member or strap. It is thus apparent that myr improved pivot tongue |00 functions as a lever with the strap 38 abutting the power arm of the loop as at |30 to pivot it upwardly so that its work arm or tip |28 will be pivoted downwardly against the connecting memberor strap to retain the tongue in a closed position. The tip 52 of the adjustable strap end may then be inserted in the space ||6 in the keeper 54 above the fixed end 36 of the strap in the manner shown. In this embodiment, if de sired, as shown, the strap end may be inserted over the connecting member 40, but, if desired. it may, after the tongue |00 is inserted through a selected slit |02 therein, be inserted downwardly through the space or slot 33 between the rod 48 and member 40. underneath thev connecting member 40, and then inserted in a space in the keeper 54 provided underneath the fixed end 38 or it may,A if desired, be passed upwardly Athrough the slot 49 and inserted through the space ||8 in the top of the keeper 54 as shown.

It is obvious that this construction of connecting member 40 or bail or buckle 42 having the' tongue |00 permits a strap having the plurality of spaced adjusting holes |04 near the tip 52 of said adjustable end 38 to be attached thereto.

In both embodiments of my invention shown in Figs. 1 to 10, the fixed end 36 of the strap is preferably permanently looped around the bail base or rod 44 or :transverse portions 84 and permanently secured thereto. In both embodiments shown the adjustable strap end has to be detached as then the belt is taken off by removing the tongue |00, from a selected hole V|||2 in the adjustable strap end 36 after the tip 52 thereof is removed from the space H6 in the keeper. In

the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 10, this isy no more difficult than in an ordinary belt.

secured to the inturned ends 84 of the legs 8270iY the bail or buckle member 42 with the adjustable end 38 laid over the member 42 as in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-7 so that the tongue |00, v

may be inserted in a selected hole |02 therein with the tip 52 thereof fastened to the strap in any of the manners previously explained.

When the bail or buckle member 42 is used a1one, however, as in fthe embodiment shown in Figs. 8-10, it is apparent that the outer closely spaced leg portions 8| form the bail legs, being joined'together by the bail rod orbase 48, that the transversely extending portions 83 form the outer or front cross lbar of the buckle and that the leg inner portions 85 form the side bars of the buckle and that the inturned ends 84 form the inner or rear bar of the buckle and are of a length to permit the attachment of theloop 59 of the fixed end 36 of the belt around them. It will be thus apparent that the connecting member becomes a buckle member comprising an oblong4 hollow frame 81 and the side bars 85 spaced from `each other preferably more than the width of the strap display said bars in use above and below the strap, the portions 83 becoming the outer or front cross bar of the buckle, the portions 8| becoming the spaced parallel bail legs projecting longitudinally centrally of said buckle and the transverse rod 48 joining the ends of said legs together becoming the bail base, and the inturned 'ends 84 forming the inner or rear cross bar of the buckle. As the at tongue |00 is of a Width substantially the distance between said legs 8|, it is obvious that the inner surfaces'of said legs willabut the edges of said tongue in use to keep said tongue aligned centrally of the buckle in use without wobbling on movements ofthe wearer. It is apparent that my device in use presents a very pleasing appearance with the tongue extending longitudinally of the strap centrally thereof and with either' the side |bars 85 of the buckle or the upper and lower edges of the connecting` member 40 appearing as additional longi- As stated, however, if desired, the balls 42 and 4 42' may be .iixedly, non-extensibly mounted on the opposite ends ofthe connecting member and,

tudinally extending metallic portions above and below the strap in use.

If desired, the connecting member 40 may be turned upside down to have the compartments 14 project forwardly from the edges of the plate 11, thus providing a central channel for the reception of the adjustable strap end therein.

It is apparent, therefore, that I have provided y a novel type of adjustable strap and tongue buckle for use therewith'with the advantages described above.

It is understood that my invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown and that various deviations may be made therefrom without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. An adjustable strap automatically extensible on movement of the object strapped, comprising a non-extensible iiexible strap of4 a length to encircle a limb or body torso or join two article portions together, having a xed end *and anadjustable end having a plurality of aligned circumferentially spaced adjusting slots extending a distance inwardly from adjacent the tip thereof and a strain compensating connecting member having a resiliently extensible bail portion projecting from one end thereof, having exterior closed position iirst outwardly and downwardly, 4

then looped upwardly to above its pivot and projecting inwardly a substantial longitudinal distance over the front surface of said` connecting member, said tongue being curved in such a manner that the normal to the `tongue at the point of contact of the belt against the loop in.use passes below and to the outside of the pivot, and being pivotable to an open position to be insertable through a selectable slot in the adjustable strap end and to a closed position extending over said connecting member with said adjustable strap end abutting the loop to pivot the end of said tongue downwardly towards said connecting member, keeper means for retaining the free end of said strap beyond said inserted tongue on top of the iixed end of said strap when in attached position, and means for securing the xed end of the strap to the opposite end of the connecting member.

2. An adjustable strap, comprising a non-extensible flexible strap of a length to encircle a limb or body torso or join two-article portions together, having a iixed end and an adjustable end having a plurality of aligned circumferentially spaced adjusting slots extending a distance inwardly from adjacent the tip thereof and a hollow oblong connecting buckle member having a bail portion projecting longitudinally from one end thereof, having legs and a transverse rod joining the ends of said legs together, said rod having a at tongue pivotally mounted thereon substantially throughout the length thereof extending when in closed position rst outwardly and downwardly, then looped upwardly to above its pivot and projecting inwardly a substantial longitudinal distance over the front surface of said connecting member, said tongue being curved in such a manner that the normal to the tongue at the point of contact of the belt against the loop in use passes below and to the outside of the pivot, and being pivotable to an open position to be insertable through a selectable slot in the adjustable strap end and to a closed position extending over said connecting member with said adjustable strap end abutting the loop to pivot the end of said tongue downwardly towards said connecting member, and keeper means for retaining the free end of said strap beyond said inserted tongue on top of the xed end of said strap when in attached position, the inner ends of said frame forming means for securing the fixed end of the strap to the opposite end of the connecting member.

43. A hollow oblong connecting member for straps having a bail portion projecting longitudinally from the outer end thereof, having legs and a transverse rod joining the ends of said legs together, said rod having a flat tongue pivotally mounted thereon substantially throughout the length thereof extending when in closed position rst outwardly and downwardly, then looped upwardly to above its pivot to extend through a slot in the free strap end and projecting inwardly a substantial longitudinal distance over thevfront surface of said connecting member, said tongue being` curved in such a manner that the normal to the tongue at the point of contact of the belt against the loop in use passes below and to the outside of the pivot, and being pivotable to an open position to be insertable through a selectable slot in an adjustable strap end and to a closed position extending over said connecting member with said adjustable strap end abutting the loop to pivot the end of said tongue downwardly towards said connecting 8 member, having means on its inner end to secure the fixed strap end thereto. l

4r. A connectingmember for use with straps having spaced legs, having rod means extending transversely of the inner ends thereof connectable to a strap end and a transverse rod joining the outer ends of said legs together, said rod having a ilat tongue pivotally mounted thereon extending when in closed position first outwardly and downwardly, then looped upwardly to above its pivot and projecting inwardly a substantial longitudinal distance over the front surface of said connecting member, said tongue being curved in such a manner that the normal to the tongue at the point of contact of the belt against the loop in use passes below and to the outside of the pivot, and being pivotable to an open position to be insertable through a selectable slot in an adjustable strap end and to a closed position extending over said connecting member with said adjustable strap end vabutting the loop to pivot the end of said tongue downwardly towards said connecting member.

5. A connecting buckle member for straps, comprising a hollow, oblong frame,.having side bars spaced from each other more than the width of the strap to display said bars in use, an outer cross bar, and inner cross bar means for mounting a xed strap end thereon, said outer cross bar having spaced parallel legs projecting longitudinally centrally thereof and a transverse rod joining the ends of said legs together, said rod having a flat tongue of a width substantially the distance between said legs, having an end looped around said rod to pivotally mount said tongue thereon, with the interior edges of said legs abutting the edges of said tongue to maintain it in alignment centrally of said buckle at all stages of its pivotal movement. said tongue extending when in closed position first outwardly and downwardly, then looped upwardly to above its pivot to extend through a slot in the free adjustable strap end and projecting inwardly a substantial longitudinal distance over the front surface of said connecting member to be visible thereover in use, said tongue being curved in such a manner that the normal to the tongue at the point of contact of the belt against the loop in use passes below and to the outside of the pivot, and being pivotal to an open position to be insertable through a selectable slot in the adjustable strap end and to a closed position extending over said connecting member with said adjustable strap end abutting the loop to pivot the end of said tongue downwardly towards said connecting member against the adjustable strap end.

'6. A connecting buckle member for straps, comprising a hollow, oblong frame, having side bars. an outer cross bar and inner cross bar means for mounting a xed strap end thereon, said outer cross bar having spaced parallel legs projecting longitudinally centrally thereof and a transverse rod joining the ends of said legs together, said rod having al flat tongue of a width substantially tile distance between said legs, having an end looped around said rod to pivotally mcunt said tongue thereon, with the interior edges of said legs abutting the edges of said tongue to maintain it in alignment centrally of said buckle at all stages of its pivotal movement, said tongue extending when in closed position rst outwardly and downwardly, then looped upwardly to above its pivot to extend through a slot in the free adjustable strap end and projecting inwardly a substantial longitudinal distance over the front surface of said connecting member. said tongue being curved in such'a manner that the normal tothe tongue at the point of contact ofthe beltagainst'the loop in use passes below and tothe `outside of the pivot, and being pivotal to an open position to be insertable l through a selectable slot in the'adjustable strap end 'and to a. closed position extending overl said connecting member with said adjustable strap end abutting the loop to pivot theend of said tongue downwardly 'towards said connecting member against the adjustable strap end.

7. A connecting buckle member i'or straps,

.- comprising a hollow, oblong frame, having side bars spaced from each other more than the width lof the strap-to-dis'play said bars in use, anouter. crossbar and inner cross bar means for mountingva fixed strap end thereon, said outer cross bar having spaced parallel legs projecting' longitudlnallycentrally thereof and a transverse rod joining the ends of said legs together, said rod" h having a 'tongue of ya width, substantially the distance between saidl legs, having an end-looped around said rod to pivotally mount said tongue thereon, with the interior edges of said legs abutting the edges of said tongue tomaintain it in A alignment centrallycof said buckle at al1 stages of its pivotal movement, said tongue extending when in closed position riirst outwardly and downwardly, then looped upwardly to above its pivot to extend through a hole in the free adjustable strap end and projecting inwardlya substantial longitudinal distance over the front surface of said connecting member to bevisible thereover in use, said tongue being curved in such a manner Y that the normal to the tongue at the point of Acontact of the belt against the loop in use passes i below and to the outside of the pivot, and being pivotal to anv open position to be insertable through a'selectable hole in the adjustable strap end and to a closed position extending over said Vconnecting memberwith said vadjustable strap end abutting kthe loop to-v pivot the end of said tongue downwardly towards s'aid connecting member against the adjustable strap end.

8. A connecting buckle member for straps,

comprising a hollow, oblong frame, having side.

bars, an outer cross bar and inner cross bar means for mounting a xed strap end thereon,

said outer cross bar having spaced lparallel legs projecting llongitudinally centrally thereof and a transverse rod joining the ends of said legs together, said rod having a tongue of a width substantially the distance between said legs, having an end looped around said rod topivotally .'mount said tongue thereon, with the interior edges ofjsaidv legs abutting the edges of said tongue to maintain it in alignment centrally of said buckle at all stages-of its pivotal movement,

said tongue'extending `when in closed position iirst outwardly anddownwardlmthen looped upwardlytol above itspivot to extend through a hole in the freeadjustable strap end and projecting inwardly' a substantial longitudinal distancel over the front surface of said connecting member, saidvtongue being curved in such a manner that the. normalto the tongue 'at ,the point of contact of the belt against the loop in Ause passes belowv and to the outside of the pivot, and being pivotal to an open position to'be in'-v connecting member against the adjustable strap end. l

9. A connectingbuckle member for, straps, comprising a hollow, oblong frame, having side bars spaced from each other more than the width `of the strapto display -said bars in use,

van outer cross barv and inner cross bar means.

for mounting a fixed strap end thereon, said outer cross bar having a tongue, having an end looped varound* said outer cross bar to pivotally mount said tongue thereon, said tongue extending when in closed position first outwardly and downwardly, then looped upwardly to above `its pivot to extend through a'hole in the free adjustable strap end and projecting inwardly a substantial longitudinal distance over the front' `surface of said connecting member to bevisiblek :thereover in use, saidr tongue-being curvedin such a manner` that. thenormal to thetongue atv the point of contact of the belt against the loop in use passes below and to vthe outsidel of the pivot, and being. pivotal to an open position to be insertable through a selectable hole in the adjustable strap end and to a closed position ex.- tending over said connecting member with said adjustable -strap end abutting the loop to pivot the end of said tongue downwardly towards said connecting member against the adjustable strap end.

10. A connecting buckle member for straps, comprising a hollow, oblong frame. having side bars, an outer cross bar and inner cross bar sertable through 'a selectable hole in theadjustable strap end 'and to av closed position extending over said connecting. member with saidadjust- .ablestrap end abutting'the loop `to pivot the 'end of said tongue downwardly towards said means for mounting a xed strap end thereon, said outer cross bar having a tongue, having any end looped around said outer-cross bar to pivotally mount said tongue thereon,v said tongue extending when in closed position first outwardly and downwardly, then looped upwardly to above l its pivot to extend through a hole in the free adjustable strap end and projecting inwardly a substantial longitudinal distance over the front surface of said connecting member, said'tongue A being curved in such a manner that the normal to the tongue at the pointof contact of the belt against the loop in use'passes below and to the outside of the pivot, and being pivotal to an open position to be insertable through a selectable hole in the adjustable strap end and to a closed position extending over said connecting member with said adjustable strap end abutting the loop to pivot the end of said tongue downwardly towards said connecting member against the adjustable strap end.

11. A connecting buckle memberfor straps,v

comprising a hollow, oblong frame, having side bars spaced from each other more. than l the width of the strapv to display'said bars in use,

an outer cross bar'and inner cross bar means for mounting a fixed strap end thereon, said outer cross bar having a tongue pivotally mountved thereon, said tongue extendingwhen in closed position rst outwardly and downwardly, thenthrough a selectable hole in the adjustable strap` end and to a closed position extending over said connecting member with said adjustable strap..

11 f end abutting 'the loop to pivot the end of sai tongue downwardly towards said connecting member against the adjustable strap end.-

12. A connecting buckle member for straps, comprising a hollow, oblong frame, 'having slide bars, an outer cross bar and inner cross bar means for mounting a fixed strap end thereon, said outer cross bar having a tongue plvotally mounted thereon, said tongue extending when in closed position iirst outwardly and downwardly, then looped upwardly to above its pivot to extend through a hole in the free adjustable strap end and projecting inwardly -a substantial longitudinal distance over the front surface of said connecting member, said tongue being curved in such a manner that the normal to the tongue at the point of vcontact of the belt against the loop in use passes below and to the outside of the pivot,'

and being pivotal to an open position to be insertable through a selectable hole in the adjustable strap end and to a closed position extending over said connecting member with said adjustable strap end abutting the loop to pivot the end of said tongue downwardly towards said connecting member against the adjustable strap end.

13. A connecting assembly for straps, comprising connecting means having means for mounting a fixed strap end thereon, and spaced parallel legs projecting longitudinally thereof and a transverse rod joining the ends of said legs together, said rod having a tongue of a width substantially the distance between said legs, having an end looped around said rod to pivotally mount said tongue thereon, with the interior edges of said legs abutting the edges of said tongue to maintain it in alignment centrally of said buckle at all stages of its pivotal movement, said tongue extending when in closed position iirst outwardly and downwardly, then looped upwardly to above its pivot to extend through a hole in the free adjustable strap end and projecting inwardly a substantial longitudinal distance over the front surconnecting member against the adjustable strap end.

14. A connecting assembly for straps, comprising connecting means having a cross bar and means for mounting a xedlstrap end thereof, said cross bar having a tongue having an end looped around said cross bar to pivotally mount said tongue thereon, said tongue extending when in closed position rst outwardly and downwardly, then looped upwardly to above its pivot to extend through a hole in the free adjustable strap end and projecting inwardly a substantial longitudinal distance over the front surface of said connecting member, said tongue being curved in such a manner that the normal to the tongue at the point of contact of the belt against the loop in use passes below and to the outside of the pivot, and being pivotal to an open position to be insertable through a selectable hole in the adjustable strap end and to a closed position extending over said connecting member with said adjustable strap end abutting the loop to pivot the end of said tongue downwardly towards said connecting member against the adjustable strap end.

15. A connecting assembly for straps, comprising connecting means having a cross bar and means for mounting a xed strap end thereon, said cross bar having a tongue pivotally mounted thereon, said tongue extending when in closed position iirst outwardly and downwardly, then looped upwardly to above its pivot to extend through a hole in the free adjustable strap end and projecting inwardly a substantial longitudinal distance over the front surface of said connecting member, said tongue being curved in such a manner that the normal to the tongue at the point of contact of the belt against the loop in use passes below and to the outside of the pivot, and being pivotal to an open position to be insertable through a selectable hole in the adjustable strap end and to a closed position extending over said connecting member with said adjustable lstrap end abutting the loop to pivot the end of said tongue downwardly towards said connecting member against the adjustable strap end.

' ALBERT BLISS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 461,009 Benedict Oct. 13, 1891 496,319 Mallory Apr. 25, 1893 628,718 Maries July 11, 1899 979,347 Smith Dec. 20, 1910 1,464,381 Amidano Aug. 7, 1923 1,636,869 Schaefer July 26, 1927 1,779,633 Mix Oct. 28, 1930 1,907,098 Dowd et al May 2, 1933 2,132,608 Eaton Oct. 11, 1938 2,430,070 Meyerson et al. Nov. 4, 1947 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 476,139 Great Britain Dec. 2, 1937 

